Direct current hybrid circuit breaker with reverse biased voltage source

ABSTRACT

Within a direct current hybrid circuit breaker (DC HCB), a commutation unit (CU) is provided in a semiconductor switch path in series with a semiconductor switch to facilitate opening the DC HCB. The semiconductor switch path is connected in parallel with a mechanical switch path that includes a mechanical switch. The CU is a controlled voltage source which applies a reverse biased voltage on the semiconductor switch path. The CU causes the current through the mechanical switch to ramp down while the current through the semiconductor switch ramps up to a supply current. The CU maintains the current through the mechanical switch to remain at a zero vale by compensating for the voltage drop across the semiconductor switch and the self-inductance of the semiconductor switch path. The mechanical switch can open without current and against no recovery voltage.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/750,219, filed Oct. 24, 2018, the disclosure of whichis incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

High voltage direct current hybrid circuit breakers are typically basedon a first current path with a main semiconductor switch connected inparallel to a second current path with an auxiliary semiconductor switchconnected in series with a mechanical switch. The principal of operationof a hybrid circuit breaker is that the auxiliary semiconductor switchand the mechanical switch are closed during normal operation. Upondetection of an overcurrent condition, the hybrid circuit breakerattempts to break the current flowing through it by first closing themain semiconductor switch and opening the auxiliary semiconductor tocommutate the current flowing through the second current path to thefirst current path. When the current on the second current path is heldat zero value for a predetermined period of time, the mechanical switchis opened to create an open circuit condition on the second currentpath. Once the mechanical switch is opened, the main semiconductorswitch is opened, resulting in a commutation of the current from themain semiconductor switch to a surge arrester, such as a varistor,connected in parallel to the main semiconductor switch. However,providing the auxiliary semiconductor switch in series with themechanical switch results in on-state losses across the auxiliarysemiconductor switch in addition to on-state losses across themechanical switch.

Hybrid circuit breakers which do not rely on the auxiliary semiconductorswitch typically rely on introducing an air gap in the mechanical switchto induce an arc voltage in the mechanical switch, which commutes thecurrent from the second current path to the first current path. However,creating an arc in the mechanical switch increases wear on themechanical switch, introduces additional heat dissipation requirements,and results in a slower acting mechanical switch (e.g., the mechanicalswitch takes longer to withstand voltage in the open position).

SUMMARY

In a first aspect of the disclosure, a direct current (DC) hybridcircuit breaker (HCB), comprises an input, an output, a mechanicalswitch path, and a semiconductor switch path. The mechanical switch pathcomprises a mechanical switch and is coupled between the input and theoutput. The semiconductor switch path comprises a semiconductor switchconnected in series with a commutation unit configured to supply areverse biased voltage source on the semiconductor switch path. Thesemiconductor switch path is coupled between the input and the output inparallel to the mechanical switch path.

In some implementations of the first aspect of the disclosure, the DCHCB further comprises a surge arrestor path comprising a surge arrestor.The surge arrestor path is coupled between the input and the output inparallel to the mechanical switch path and the semiconductor switch pathor the surge arrestor path is coupled in parallel across thesemiconductor switch.

In some implementations of the first aspect of the disclosure, the surgearrestor is configured to absorb residual fault currents in the DC HBCupon the mechanical switch and the semiconductor switch being opened.

In some implementations of the first aspect of the disclosure, the DCHCB further comprises a second surge arrestor coupled in parallel acrossthe semiconductor switch, the commutation unit, or both thesemiconductor switch and the commutation unit.

In some implementations of the first aspect of the disclosure, thesecond surge arrestor is coupled in parallel across the commutationunit. The DC HCB further comprises a third surge arrestor coupled inparallel across the semiconductor switch.

In some implementations of the first aspect of the disclosure, thesecond surge arrestor is included in the semiconductor switch path.

In some implementations of the first aspect of the disclosure, the surgearrestor is configured to protect the commutation unit from anover-voltage condition.

In some implementations of the first aspect of the disclosure, the surgearrestor or the second surge arrestor is a varistor, metal oxidevaristor, thyristor, or any other voltage clamping circuit.

In some implementations of the first aspect of the disclosure, thecommutation unit comprises a capacitor, an input of the commutationunit, an output of the commutation unit, a first switch, and a secondswitch. The input of the commutation unit is coupled to a negativeterminal of the capacitor. A first side of the first switch is coupledto a positive terminal of the capacitor. A first side of the secondswitch is coupled to a second side of the first switch and is coupled tothe output of the commutation unit. A second side of the second switchis coupled to the input of the commutation unit and the negativeterminal of the capacitor.

In some implementations of the first aspect of the disclosure, thecommutation unit comprises a capacitor, an input of the commutationunit, an output of the commutation unit, a first switch, a secondswitch, a third switch, and a fourth switch. A first side of the firstswitch is coupled to a positive terminal of the capacitor. A first sideof the second switch is coupled to a second side of the first switch andthe output of the commutation unit. A second side of the second switchis coupled to a negative terminal of the capacitor. A first side of thethird switch is coupled to the positive terminal of the capacitor andthe first side of the first switch. A first side of the fourth switch iscoupled to a second side of the third switch and the input of thecommutation unit. A second side of the fourth switch is coupled to thenegative terminal of the capacitor and the second side of the secondswitch.

In some implementations of the first aspect of the disclosure, thecommutation unit comprises transformer and an inverter connected inparallel with a capacitor.

In some implementations of the first aspect of the disclosure, thecommutation unit comprises a capacitor, an input of the commutationunit, an output of the commutation unit, and a first switch. A firstside of the first switch is coupled to a positive terminal of thecapacitor. In some implementations, the input of the commutation unit iscoupled to a negative terminal of the capacitor and a second side of thefirst switch is coupled to the output of the commutation unit. In someimplementations, the second side of the first switch is coupled to afirst side of a first winding of the transformer, a second side of thefirst winding of the transformer is coupled to a negative terminal ofthe capacitor, the output of the commutation unit is coupled to thefirst side of a second winding of the transformer, and the input of thecommutation unit is coupled to the second side of the second winding ofthe transformer.

In a second aspect of the disclosure, a method of operating a directcurrent (DC) hybrid circuit breaker (HCB) comprises detecting anover-current condition in a switch current across a closed mechanicalswitch in a mechanical switch path of the DC HCB. In response todetecting the over-current condition, closing a semiconductor switch andproviding a reverse biased commutation voltage by a commutation unit.The semiconductor switch and the commutation unit are connected inseries across a semiconductor switch path of the DC HCB and thesemiconductor switch path is coupled in parallel to the mechanicalswitch path. The method further comprises detecting that the switchcurrent reaches a zero-current condition and responsively opening themechanical switch.

In some implementations of the second aspect of the disclosure, themethod further comprises maintaining the zero-current condition in theswitch current for a predetermined period of time.

In some implementations of the second aspect of the disclosure, themethod further comprises opening the semiconductor switch and turningoff the commutation unit after the predetermined period of time.

In some implementations of the second aspect of the disclosure, thecommutation unit comprises a capacitor, a first switch, and a secondswitch. The first switch is coupled between a positive terminal of thecapacitor and a positive terminal of the commutation unit. The secondswitch is coupled between the positive terminal of the commutation unitand a negative terminal of the commutation unit. A negative terminal ofthe capacitor is coupled to the negative terminal of the commutationunit. In some implementations of the second aspect of the disclosure,providing a reverse biased commutation voltage by the commutation unitcomprises closing the first switch and opening the second switch. Insome implementations of the second aspect of the disclosure, maintainingthe zero-current condition in the switch current comprises repeatedlytoggling the first switch and the second switch to maintain the switchcurrent between an upper limit current and a lower limit current.

These and other features will be more clearly understood from thefollowing detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, referenceis now made to the following brief description, taken in connection withthe accompanying drawings and detailed description, wherein likereference numerals represent like parts.

FIGS. 1A-1C are circuit block diagrams of a direct current (DC) hybridcircuit breaker (HCB) suitable for implementing the several embodimentsof the disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows timing diagrams of an operation to open the DC HCB upondetection of an overcurrent suitable for implementing the severalembodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a circuit block diagram of a half-bridge voltage sourcecommutation unit suitable for implementing the several embodiments ofthe disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a control circuit for controlling operationof the switches in the half-bridge voltage source commutation unit ofFIG. 3.

FIG. 5 shows timing diagrams of an operation to open the DC HCB usingthe half-bridge voltage source commutation unit of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a circuit block diagram of a full bridge voltage sourcecommutation unit suitable for implementing the several embodiments ofthe disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a circuit block diagram of a transformer voltage sourcecommutation unit suitable for implementing the several embodiments ofthe disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a circuit block diagram of a single-switch voltage sourcecommutation unit suitable for implementing the several embodiments ofthe disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a circuit block diagram of a single-switch transformer voltagesource commutation unit suitable for implementing the severalembodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 10 is an exemplary computer system suitable for implementing theseveral embodiments of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should be understood at the outset that although illustrativeimplementations of one or more embodiments are illustrated below, thedisclosed systems and methods may be implemented using any number oftechniques, whether currently known or in existence. The disclosureshould in no way be limited to the illustrative implementations,drawings, and techniques illustrated below, but may be modified withinthe scope of the appended claims along with their full scope ofequivalents. Use of the phrase “and/or” indicates that any one or anycombination of a list of options can be used. For example, “A, B, and/orC” means “A”, or “B”, or “C”, or “A and B”, or “A and C”, or “B and C”,or “A and B and C”.

Within a direct current hybrid circuit breaker (DC HCB), a commutationunit (CU) is provided in a semiconductor switch path in series with asemiconductor switch to facilitate opening the DC HCB. The semiconductorswitch path is connected in parallel with a mechanical switch path thatincludes a mechanical switch. The CU is a controlled voltage sourcewhich applies a reverse biased voltage on the semiconductor switch path.The CU allows for the buildup of a commutation voltage which, across theloop inductance of the mechanical switch path, causes the currentthrough the mechanical switch to ramp down while the current through thesemiconductor switch ramps up to a supply current. The CU maintains thecurrent through the mechanical switch to remain at a zero vale bycompensating for the voltage drop across the semiconductor switch andthe self-inductance of the semiconductor switch path. Because thecurrent, and therefore the voltage, across the mechanical switch ismaintained at a zero value, the mechanical switch can open withoutcurrent and against no recovery voltage. Once the mechanical switch isopened, the semiconductor switch opens and commutes the current to asurge arrester path. The surge arrester path includes a surge arrestor,such as a varistor, that operates to reduce the remaining current in theHCB to zero.

Likewise, the CU in the semiconductor switch path facilitates closingthe DC HCB. To close the DC HCB, the semiconductor switch and themechanical switch are simultaneously closed to allow current to build upin a load circuit. While the current is building up in the load circuit,the CU compensates for the voltage drop across the semiconductor switchand any self-inductance of the semiconductor switch path to maintain azero current value across the mechanical switch. Once the mechanicalswitch is fully closed, the semiconductor switch opens which commutatesthe current into the mechanical switch path.

By locating the CU in the semiconductor switch path, the CU does notcontribute to the on-state losses for the DC HCB. Additionally, bylocating CU in the semiconductor switch path, the only component in themechanical switch path is the mechanical switch itself. Because themechanical switch is the only component in the mechanical switch path,the on-state losses for the DC HCB are limited to the loss across themechanical switch, which are typically very low. Additionally, byproviding a reverse biased voltage source CU in the semiconductor switchpath, no arc voltage is needed to be generated by the mechanical switch.

FIG. 1 is a circuit block diagram of a direct current (DC) hybridcircuit breaker (HCB) 100 suitable for implementing the severalembodiments of the disclosure. The HCB 100 comprises an input path 102,a mechanical switch path 104, a semiconductor switch path 106, a surgearrester path 108, and an output path 110. Each of the mechanical switchpath 104, the semiconductor switch path 106, and the surge arrester path108 are connected to each other in parallel between the input path 102and the output path 110. The input path 102 supplies a current from acurrent source (not shown) to the HCB 100. The output path 110 suppliesan output current 111, shown as ic, from the input path 102 to a loadcircuit 112, modeled as an inductive load in the example of FIG. 1. Insome implementations, the output current 111 is a grid current forsupplying a DC power grid.

The mechanical switch path 104 comprises a mechanical switch 114. Insome implementations, the mechanical switch 114 is the only component inthe mechanical switch path 104. The mechanical switch 114 is shown inFIG. 1 in a closed position for supplying a switch current 113, shown asi_(s), from the input path 102 to the output path 110. An inductor 116is shown in the mechanical switch path 104 to model the combinedparasitic inductance in the loop of the mechanical switch path 104 andthe semiconductor switch path 106, though an inductor itself is notlocated in the mechanical switch path 104.

The semiconductor switch path 106 comprises a semiconductor switch 118connected in series with a commutation unit (CU) 122. The CU 122 is acontrolled voltage source which applies a reverse biased voltage on thesemiconductor switch path 106. The CU 122 allows for the buildup of acommutation voltage 123, shown as V_(C), which, across the loopinductance 116 of the mechanical switch path 104, causes the switchcurrent 113 through the mechanical switch to ramp down while acommutation current 120, shown as i₂, through the semiconductor switch118 ramps up to the output current 110. Therefore, the semiconductorswitch 118 in a closed state supplies the commutation current 120 fromthe input path 102 to the output path 110. The semiconductor switch 118causes a voltage drop 119, shown as V₂, in a direction of thecommutation current 120. Therefore, the reverse biased commutationvoltage 123 supplied by the CU 122 is biased in a direction opposed tothe voltage drop 119 across the semiconductor switch 118.

The semiconductor switch path 106 may additionally include a surgearrestor 124, such as a varistor or any other voltage clamping circuitsuch as a thyristor, connected in parallel to the CU 122. The surgearrestor 124 protects the CU 122 from an over-voltage condition. In someimplementations, the surge arrestor 124 may be omitted. In someimplementations, an additional surge arrestor 125 may be connected inparallel to the semiconductor switch 118 in addition to the surgearrestor 124, as shown in FIG. 1B. In some implementations, the surgearrestor 124 may be connected in parallel across both the CU 122 and thesemiconductor switch 118 as shown in FIG. 1C.

The directions of current and voltages in the example shown in FIG. 1assumes a load fault, such as a short circuit in the load circuit 112.However, the pending disclosure additionally contemplates source faults,such as a short circuit connected to the input path 102. Implementationsof the CU 122 that address source faults in addition to load faults aredescribed in more detail below.

The surge arrester path 108 comprises a surge arrestor 126 configured toabsorb residual fault currents in the HCB 100 upon opening themechanical switch 114 and the semiconductor switch 118. The surgearrestor 126 may be a varistor, such as a metal oxide varistor (MOV), orany other voltage clamping circuit such as a thyristor. An inductor 128is shown in the surge arrestor path 108 to model the parasiticinductance in the surge arrestor path 108, though an inductor itself isnot located in the surge arrestor path 108. While the surge arrestorpath 108 is shown as extending across both the semiconductor switch 118and the CU 122, in some implementations, the surge arrestor path 108 mayonly extend across the semiconductor switch 118.

FIG. 2 is shows timing diagrams of an operation to open the DC HCB 100upon detection of an overcurrent. The timing diagrams in FIG. 2 includea current timing diagram 200, a CU voltage diagram 202, and a surgearrestor voltage diagram 204.

As shown in the current timing diagram 200, the output current 111 isrepresented by a solid line 206, the switch current 113 is representedas a dot-dashed line 205, and the commutation current 120 is representedas a dashed line 207. Upon a load fault, such as a short circuit in theload circuit 112, the switch current 113 will increase until reaching atripping current 208. The tripping current 208 represents a thresholdcurrent value for the switch current 113 for detecting an overcurrentcondition. For example, a controller (not shown) may detect that theswitch current 113 has reached a value of the tripping current 208. At afirst time 210, shown as t₁, the semiconductor switch 118 is closed andthe CU 122 provides the reverse biased commutation voltage 123 at afirst voltage value 218. Between the first time 210 and a second time212, shown as t₂, the switch current 113 is reduced to zero, as shown bythe dot-dashed line 205, while the commutation current 120 is increasedto the output current 111, as shown by the dashed line 207. The firstvoltage value 218 drives how fast the output current 111 is commutatedfrom the mechanical switch path 104 to the semiconductor switch path106. In some implementations, the first voltage value 218 may be set toabout 100 V. Other voltage levels for the first voltage value 218 arecontemplated by this disclosure.

Between the second time 212 and a third time 214, shown as t₃, the CU122 holds the reversed biased commutation voltage 123 at a secondvoltage value 220 equal to the voltage drop 119 across the semiconductorswitch 118 so as to zero the voltage (e.g., the switch current 113 ismaintained at a zero value) across the mechanical switch 114. While thevoltage across the mechanical switch 114 is maintained at a zero value,the mechanical switch 114 is opened without current and against norecovery voltage.

Because the output current 111 is steadily increasing between the secondtime 212 and the third time 214, the voltage drop 119 across thesemiconductor switch 118 likewise increases. Therefore, the secondvoltage value 220 maintained by the CU 122 increases between the secondtime 212 and the third time 214 to equal a magnitude of the increasingvoltage drop 119 across the semiconductor switch 118.

At the third time 214, the mechanical switch 114 has reached its fullvoltage withstand capability and the semiconductor switch 118 is turnedoff (opened). At the same time, the CU 122 is also turned off. Thiscauses the voltage across the entire HCB 100 to reach a clamping value222 of the surge arrestor 126 which in turn forces the output current111 to ramp down to zero, as shown by the solid line 216. The outputcurrent 111 reaches a zero value at a fourth time 216, shown as t₄. Atthe fourth time 216, the HCB 100 is fully open. Following the fourthtime 216, the surge arrestor 126 maintains the HCB 100 to have a sourcevoltage value 224 equal to a voltage applied to the input path 102, andzero output current 111.

FIG. 3 is a circuit block diagram of a half-bridge voltage sourcecommutation unit 300 (“half-bridge CU 300”) suitable for implementingthe several embodiments of the disclosure. In some implementations, theCU 122 described above may be implemented as the half-bridge CU 300. Thehalf-bridge CU 300 includes a negative terminal 302 and a positiveterminal 304 connected in series with the semiconductor switch 118.Following the example shown in FIG. 1, the negative terminal 302 isconnected to an output of the semiconductor switch 118 and the positiveterminal is connected to the output path 110.

The half-bridge CU 300 also includes a power terminal 306 for supplyingpower to a charging circuit (CC) 308. The charging circuit 308 isconfigured to charge a capacitor 310 to the first voltage value 218 forthe commutation voltage 123, shown as V_(d). A negative terminal of thecapacitor 310 is connected to the negative terminal 302 of thehalf-bridge CU 300. A first switch 312, shown as S_(F1), is connected inseries with a second switch 314, shown as S_(F2). The first and secondswitches 312, 314 are semiconductor switches, such as an insulated-gatebipolar transistor (IGBT), a metal-oxide semiconductor field-effecttransistor (MOSFET), or a gate turn-off thyristor (GTO). The first andsecond switches 312, 314 are connected in parallel to the capacitor 310.A first side of the first switch 312 is connected to a positive terminalof the capacitor. A second side of the first switch 312 is connected tothe positive terminal 304 of the half-bridge CU 300 and connected to afirst side of the second switch 314. A second side of the second switch314 is connected to the negative terminal of the capacitor 310 and thenegative terminal 302 of the half-bridge CU 300.

FIG. 4 is a control circuit block diagram 400 for controlling operationof the switches 312, 314 in the half-bridge CU 300 of FIG. 3. Thecontrol circuit block diagram 400 includes a fault detection controlbranch 402 and a breaker opening control branch 404. The fault detectioncontrol branch 402 comprises a fault detection circuit 406 and acommutation control block 408. The fault detection circuit 406 isconfigured to compare the output current 111 from the HCB 100 to a faultcurrent reference value 410. For example, the fault current referencevalue 410 may be equal to the tripping current 208 discussed above. Uponthe fault detection circuit 406 determining that the output current 111is equal to or greater than the fault current reference value 410, thefault detection circuit 406 outputs an overcurrent condition signal 412(e.g., a logic “1” value in the example shown in FIG. 4) to thecommutation control block 408.

Upon receiving the overcurrent condition signal 412, the commutationcontrol block 408 turns on the semiconductor switch 118 and the CU 122to force the switch current 113 to decrease to zero. The commutationcontrol block 408 outputs a first control signal to turn on thesemiconductor switch 118 (e.g., a logic “1” value). The commutationcontrol block 408 outputs a second control signal to turn on the firstswitch 312 of the half-bridge CU 300 (e.g., a logic “1” value). Thecommutation control block 408 outputs a third control signal to turn offthe second switch 314 of the half-bridge CU 300 (e.g., a logic “0”value). With this configuration of the first and second switches 312,314, the positive terminal of the capacitor 310 is connected to thepositive terminal 304 and the negative terminal of the capacitor 310 isconnected to the negative terminal 302 of the half-bridge CU 300.Therefore, the value of the commutation voltage 123 is equal to thefirst voltage value 218 charged on the capacitor 310.

The breaker opening control branch 404 comprises a zero-currentdetection circuit 414 that monitors the switch current 113. Upon theswitch current 113 reaching a zero value, the zero-current detectioncircuit 414 outputs a zero-current condition signal 416. Thezero-current condition signal 416 triggers a mechanical switch controlblock 418 and a zero-current control block 420. Upon receiving thezero-current condition signal 416, the mechanical switch control block418 outputs a control signal to control the mechanical switch 114 toopen.

Upon receiving the zero-condition control signal 416, the zero-currentcontrol block 420 operates the half-bridge CU 300 to maintain thezero-current condition for the switch current 113 on the mechanicalswitch path 104. The zero-current control block 420 detects and comparesa current value of the switch current 113 to a lower limit current value422 and an upper limit current value 424. Upon determining that theswitch current 113 is equal to the lower limit current value 422, thezero-current control block 420 toggles the control signals supplied tothe switches 312, 314 of the half-bridge CU 300.

Upon determining that the switch current 113 is equal to the lower limitcurrent value 422, the zero-current control block 420 outputs a firstcontrol signal to turn off the first switch 312 of the half-bridge CU300 (e.g., a logic “0” value). The zero-current control block 420outputs a second control signal to turn on the second switch 314 of thehalf-bridge CU 300 (e.g., a logic “1” value). With this configuration ofthe first and second switches 312, 314, the positive terminal 304 andthe negative terminal 302 of the half-bridge CU 300 are connected toeach other (e.g., short circuit across the CU 122). Therefore, a smallamount of current will begin to accumulate in the switch current 113.

Upon determining that the switch current 113 is equal to the upper limitcurrent value 424, the zero-current control block 420 again toggles thecontrol signals supplied to the switches 312, 314 of the half-bridge CU300. The zero-current control block 420 outputs a first control signalto turn on the first switch 312 of the half-bridge CU 300 (e.g., a logic“1” value). The zero-current control block 420 outputs a second controlsignal to turn off the second switch 314 of the half-bridge CU 300(e.g., a logic “0” value). With this configuration of the first andsecond switches 312, 314, the positive terminal of the capacitor 310 isconnected to the positive terminal 304 and the negative terminal of thecapacitor 310 is connected to the negative terminal 302 of thehalf-bridge CU 300.

In response to the mechanical switch control block 418 outputting thecontrol signal to control the mechanical switch 114 to open, a timedelay control block 426 ensures that sufficient time has elapsed for themechanical switch 114 to reach its full voltage withstand capability.After the time delay, the time delay control block 426 outputs a controlsignal to a shut-off control block 428. The shut-off control block 428outputs control signals to turn off the semiconductor switch 118 and theswitches 312, 314 of the half-bridge CU 300.

FIG. 5 shows timing diagrams of an operation to open the DC HCB 100using the half-bridge CU 300. At a first time 502, shown as t₀, a loadfault, such as a short circuit, initiates a rapid increase in the outputcurrent 111 of the HCB 100. The mechanical switch 114 is closed at thefirst time 502 to carry current from the input path 102 to the outputpath 110. At a second time 504, shown as t₁, the fault detection circuit406 detects an over-current condition and the commutation control block408 outputs control signals to turn on the semiconductor switch 118 andthe first switch 312 of the half-bridge CU 300. Accordingly, the outputcurrent 111 is commutated from the mechanical switch path 104 to thesemiconductor switch path 106.

At a third time 506, shown as t₂, the zero-current detection circuit 414detects a zero-current condition on the switch current 113. Themechanical switch control block 418 outputs a control signal to controlthe mechanical switch 114 to open. The time delay circuit 426 waitsuntil a fourth time 508, shown as t₃, to output a control signal to ashut-off control block 428. In the meantime, between the third time 506and the fourth time 508, the zero-current control block 420 repeatedlytoggles the control signals to the first and second switches 312, 314 ofthe half-bridge CU 300 to maintain the switch current 113 at a valuebetween the lower limit current value 422 and the upper limit currentvalue 424. At the fourth time 508, the mechanical switch 114 is open andthe shut-off control block 428 outputs control signals to turn off allof the semiconductor switch 118 and the first and second switches 312,314 of the half-bridge CU 300.

FIG. 6 is a circuit block diagram of a full bridge voltage sourcecommutation unit 600 (“full bridge CU 600”) suitable for implementingthe several embodiments of the disclosure. In some implementations, theCU 122 described above may be implemented as the full bridge CU 600. Thefull-bridge CU 600 includes a negative terminal 602 and a positiveterminal 604 connected in series with the semiconductor switch 118.Following the example shown in FIG. 1, the negative terminal 602 isconnected to an output of the semiconductor switch 118 and the positiveterminal 604 is connected to the output path 110.

The full bridge CU 600 also includes a power terminal 606 for supplyingpower to a charging circuit (CC) 608. The charging circuit 608 isconfigured to charge a capacitor 610 to the first voltage value 218 forthe commutation voltage 123, shown as V_(d). A first switch 612, shownas S_(F1), is connected in series with a second switch 614, shown asS_(F2). The first and second switches 612, 614 are connected in parallelto the capacitor 610. A third switch 616, shown as S_(F3), is connectedin series with a fourth switch 618, shown as S_(F4). The third andfourth switches 616, 618 are connected in parallel to the capacitor 610and connected in parallel to the first and second switches 612, 614. Thefirst, second, third, and fourth switches 612, 614, 616, 618 aresemiconductor switches, such as an IGBT, a MOSFET, or a GTO.

A first side of the first switch 612 is connected to a positive terminalof the capacitor. A second side of the first switch 612 is connected tothe positive terminal 604 of the full bridge CU 600 and connected to afirst side of the second switch 614. A second side of the second switch614 is connected to the negative terminal of the capacitor 610. A firstside of the third switch 616 is connected to the positive terminal ofthe capacitor 610 and the first side of the first switch 612. A secondside of the third switch 616 is connected to the negative terminal 602of the full bridge CU 600 and connected to a first side of the fourthswitch 618. A second side of the fourth switch 618 is connected to thenegative terminal of the capacitor 610 and connected to the second sideof the second switch 614.

The full bridge CU 600 operates largely the same as the half-bridge CU300, but controls for both source and load faults. Upon detection of aload overcurrent condition, the commutation control block 408 outputs afirst control signal to turn off the third switch 616 (e.g., a logic “0”value). The commutation control block 408 outputs a second controlsignal to turn on the fourth switch 618 (e.g., a logic “1” value). Thecommutation control block 408 further output control signals to thefirst and second switches 612, 614 in the same manner as described abovefor the first and second switches 312, 314. With this configuration ofthe first, second, third and fourth switches 612, 614, 616, 618, thepositive terminal of the capacitor 610 is connected to the positiveterminal 604 and the negative terminal of the capacitor 610 is connectedto the negative terminal 602 of the full bridge CU 600. Likewise, thezero-current control block 420 outputs control signals to toggle thestate of the first and second switches 612, 614 in the same manner asdescribed above for the first and second switches 312, 314 whilemaintaining the state of the third and fourth switches 616, 618 (e.g.,in the off and on states respectively).

Upon detection of a source overcurrent condition, the commutationcontrol block 508 outputs a first control signal to turn off the firstswitch 612 (e.g., a logic “0” value). The commutation control block 408outputs a second control signal to turn on the second switch 614 (e.g.,a logic “1” value). The commutation control block 408 outputs a thirdcontrol signal to turn on the third switch 616 (e.g., a logic “1”value). The commutation control block 408 outputs a fourth controlsignal to turn off the fourth switch 618 (e.g., a logic “0” value). Withthis configuration of the first, second, third and fourth switches 612,614, 616, 618, the positive terminal of the capacitor 610 is connectedto the negative terminal 602 and the negative terminal of the capacitor610 is connected to the positive terminal 604 of the full bridge CU 600.In other words, the direction of the commutation voltage 123 is oppositefrom that when a load fault is detected. The zero-current control block420 outputs control signals to toggle the state of the third and fourthswitches 616, 618 in the same manner as described above for the firstand second switches 312, 314 while maintaining the state of the firstand second switches 612, 614 (e.g., in the off and on statesrespectively).

FIG. 7 is a circuit block diagram of a transformer voltage sourcecommutation unit 700 (“transformer CU 700”) suitable for implementingthe several embodiments of the disclosure. The transformer CU 700 allowsfor a higher voltage, but lower current commutation unit relative to theCU 300 and CU 600 by providing the commutation voltage 123 using atransformer 702 with an inverter circuit 704.

FIG. 8 is a circuit block diagram of a single-switch voltage sourcecommutation unit 800 (“single-switch CU 800”) suitable for implementingthe several embodiments of the disclosure. FIG. 9 is a circuit blockdiagram of a single-switch transformer voltage source commutation unit900 (single-switch transformer CU 900″) suitable for implementing theseveral embodiments of the disclosure. The single-switch CUs 800, 900are used in situations where the mechanical switch 114 is designed to beopened in the presence of small currents.

It should be appreciated that the logical operations described hereinwith respect to the various figures may be implemented (1) as a sequenceof computer implemented acts or program modules (i.e., software) runningon a computing device (e.g., the computing device described in FIG. 9),(2) as interconnected machine logic circuits or circuit modules (i.e.,hardware) within the computing device and/or (3) a combination ofsoftware and hardware of the computing device. Thus, the logicaloperations discussed herein are not limited to any specific combinationof hardware and software. The implementation is a matter of choicedependent on the performance and other requirements of the computingdevice. Accordingly, the logical operations described herein arereferred to variously as operations, structural devices, acts, ormodules. These operations, structural devices, acts and modules may beimplemented in software, in firmware, in special purpose digital logic,and any combination thereof. It should also be appreciated that more orfewer operations may be performed than shown in the figures anddescribed herein. These operations may also be performed in a differentorder than those described herein.

Referring to FIG. 10, an example computing device 1000 upon whichembodiments of the invention may be implemented is illustrated. Forexample, the controller system or one or more of the controller blocksdescribed herein may each be implemented as a computing device, such ascomputing device 1000. It should be understood that the examplecomputing device 1000 is only one example of a suitable computingenvironment upon which embodiments of the invention may be implemented.Optionally, the computing device 1000 can be a well-known computingsystem including, but not limited to, personal computers, servers,handheld or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-basedsystems, network personal computers (PCs), minicomputers, mainframecomputers, embedded systems, and/or distributed computing environmentsincluding a plurality of any of the above systems or devices.Distributed computing environments enable remote computing devices,which are connected to a communication network or other datatransmission medium, to perform various tasks. In the distributedcomputing environment, the program modules, applications, and other datamay be stored on local and/or remote computer storage media.

In an embodiment, the computing device 1000 may comprise two or morecomputers in communication with each other that collaborate to perform atask. For example, but not by way of limitation, an application may bepartitioned in such a way as to permit concurrent and/or parallelprocessing of the instructions of the application. Alternatively, thedata processed by the application may be partitioned in such a way as topermit concurrent and/or parallel processing of different portions of adata set by the two or more computers. In an embodiment, virtualizationsoftware may be employed by the computing device 1000 to provide thefunctionality of a number of servers that is not directly bound to thenumber of computers in the computing device 1000. For example,virtualization software may provide twenty virtual servers on fourphysical computers. In an embodiment, the functionality disclosed abovemay be provided by executing the application and/or applications in acloud computing environment. Cloud computing may comprise providingcomputing services via a network connection using dynamically scalablecomputing resources. Cloud computing may be supported, at least in part,by virtualization software. A cloud computing environment may beestablished by an enterprise and/or may be hired on an as-needed basisfrom a third party provider. Some cloud computing environments maycomprise cloud computing resources owned and operated by the enterpriseas well as cloud computing resources hired and/or leased from a thirdparty provider.

In its most basic configuration, computing device 1000 typicallyincludes at least one processing unit 1020 and system memory 1030.Depending on the exact configuration and type of computing device,system memory 1030 may be volatile (such as random access memory (RAM)),non-volatile (such as read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, etc.), orsome combination of the two. This most basic configuration isillustrated in FIG. 10 by dashed line 1010. The processing unit 1020 maybe a standard programmable processor that performs arithmetic and logicoperations necessary for operation of the computing device 1000. Whileonly one processing unit 1020 is shown, multiple processors may bepresent. Thus, while instructions may be discussed as executed by aprocessor, the instructions may be executed simultaneously, serially, orotherwise executed by one or multiple processors. The computing device1000 may also include a bus or other communication mechanism forcommunicating information among various components of the computingdevice 1000.

Computing device 1000 may have additional features/functionality. Forexample, computing device 1000 may include additional storage such asremovable storage 1040 and non-removable storage 1050 including, but notlimited to, magnetic or optical disks or tapes. Computing device 1000may also contain network connection(s) 1080 that allow the device tocommunicate with other devices such as over the communication pathwaysdescribed herein. The network connection(s) 1080 may take the form ofmodems, modem banks, Ethernet cards, universal serial bus (USB)interface cards, serial interfaces, token ring cards, fiber distributeddata interface (FDDI) cards, wireless local area network (WLAN) cards,radio transceiver cards such as code division multiple access (CDMA),global system for mobile communications (GSM), long-term evolution(LTE), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), and/orother air interface protocol radio transceiver cards, and otherwell-known network devices. Computing device 1000 may also have inputdevice(s) 1070 such as a keyboards, keypads, switches, dials, mice,track balls, touch screens, voice recognizers, card readers, paper tapereaders, or other well-known input devices. Output device(s) 1060 suchas a printers, video monitors, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), touchscreen displays, displays, speakers, etc. may also be included. Theadditional devices may be connected to the bus in order to facilitatecommunication of data among the components of the computing device 1000.All these devices are well known in the art and need not be discussed atlength here.

The processing unit 1020 may be configured to execute program codeencoded in tangible, computer-readable media. Tangible,computer-readable media refers to any media that is capable of providingdata that causes the computing device 1000 (i.e., a machine) to operatein a particular fashion. Various computer-readable media may be utilizedto provide instructions to the processing unit 1020 for execution.Example tangible, computer-readable media may include, but is notlimited to, volatile media, non-volatile media, removable media andnon-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storageof information such as computer readable instructions, data structures,program modules or other data. System memory 1030, removable storage1040, and non-removable storage 1050 are all examples of tangible,computer storage media. Example tangible, computer-readable recordingmedia include, but are not limited to, an integrated circuit (e.g.,field-programmable gate array or application-specific IC), a hard disk,an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a floppy disk, a magnetic tape,a holographic storage medium, a solid-state device, RAM, ROM,electrically erasable program read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory orother memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or otheroptical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic diskstorage or other magnetic storage devices.

It is fundamental to the electrical engineering and software engineeringarts that functionality that can be implemented by loading executablesoftware into a computer can be converted to a hardware implementationby well-known design rules. Decisions between implementing a concept insoftware versus hardware typically hinge on considerations of stabilityof the design and numbers of units to be produced rather than any issuesinvolved in translating from the software domain to the hardware domain.Generally, a design that is still subject to frequent change may bepreferred to be implemented in software, because re-spinning a hardwareimplementation is more expensive than re-spinning a software design.Generally, a design that is stable that will be produced in large volumemay be preferred to be implemented in hardware, for example in anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC), because for largeproduction runs the hardware implementation may be less expensive thanthe software implementation. Often a design may be developed and testedin a software form and later transformed, by well-known design rules, toan equivalent hardware implementation in an application specificintegrated circuit that hardwires the instructions of the software. Inthe same manner as a machine controlled by a new ASIC is a particularmachine or apparatus, likewise a computer that has been programmedand/or loaded with executable instructions may be viewed as a particularmachine or apparatus.

In an example implementation, the processing unit 1020 may executeprogram code stored in the system memory 1030. For example, the bus maycarry data to the system memory 1030, from which the processing unit1020 receives and executes instructions. The data received by the systemmemory 1030 may optionally be stored on the removable storage 1040 orthe non-removable storage 1050 before or after execution by theprocessing unit 1020.

It should be understood that the various techniques described herein maybe implemented in connection with hardware or software or, whereappropriate, with a combination thereof. Thus, the methods andapparatuses of the presently disclosed subject matter, or certainaspects or portions thereof, may take the form of program code (i.e.,instructions) embodied in tangible media, such as floppy diskettes,CD-ROMs, hard drives, or any other machine-readable storage mediumwherein, when the program code is loaded into and executed by a machine,such as a computing device, the machine becomes an apparatus forpracticing the presently disclosed subject matter. In the case ofprogram code execution on programmable computers, the computing devicegenerally includes a processor, a storage medium readable by theprocessor (including volatile and non-volatile memory and/or storageelements), at least one input device, and at least one output device.One or more programs may implement or utilize the processes described inconnection with the presently disclosed subject matter, e.g., throughthe use of an application programming interface (API), reusablecontrols, or the like. Such programs may be implemented in a high levelprocedural or object-oriented programming language to communicate with acomputer system. However, the program(s) can be implemented in assemblyor machine language, if desired. In any case, the language may be acompiled or interpreted language and it may be combined with hardwareimplementations.

Embodiments of the methods and systems may be described herein withreference to block diagrams and flowchart illustrations of methods,systems, apparatuses and computer program products. It will beunderstood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchartillustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams andflowchart illustrations, respectively, can be implemented by computerprogram instructions. These computer program instructions may be loadedonto a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such thatthe instructions which execute on the computer or other programmabledata processing apparatus create a means for implementing the functionsspecified in the flowchart block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in acomputer-readable memory that can direct a computer or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readablememory produce an article of manufacture including computer-readableinstructions for implementing the function specified in the flowchartblock or blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loadedonto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to causea series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or otherprogrammable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process suchthat the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmableapparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in theflowchart block or blocks.

Accordingly, blocks of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrationssupport combinations of means for performing the specified functions,combinations of steps for performing the specified functions and programinstruction means for performing the specified functions. It will alsobe understood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchartillustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams andflowchart illustrations, can be implemented by special purposehardware-based computer systems that perform the specified functions orsteps, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computerinstructions.

While several embodiments have been provided in the present disclosure,it should be understood that the disclosed systems and methods may beembodied in many other specific forms without departing from the spiritor scope of the present disclosure. The present examples are to beconsidered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the intention is notto be limited to the details given herein. For example, the variouselements or components may be combined or integrated in another systemor certain features may be omitted or not implemented.

Also, techniques, systems, subsystems, and methods described andillustrated in the various embodiments as discrete or separate may becombined or integrated with other systems, modules, techniques, ormethods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.Other items shown or discussed as directly coupled or communicating witheach other may be indirectly coupled or communicating through someinterface, device, or intermediate component, whether electrically,mechanically, or otherwise. Other examples of changes, substitutions,and alterations are ascertainable by one skilled in the art and could bemade without departing from the spirit and scope disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A direct current (DC) hybrid circuit breaker (HCB), comprising: an input; an output; a mechanical switch path comprising a mechanical switch, wherein the mechanical switch path is coupled between the input and the output; a semiconductor switch path comprising a semiconductor switch connected in series with a commutation unit configured to supply a reverse biased voltage source on the semiconductor switch path, wherein the semiconductor switch path is coupled between the input and the output in parallel to the mechanical switch path; a surge arrestor path comprising a surge arrestor, wherein the surge arrestor path is coupled between the input and the output in parallel to the mechanical switch path and the semiconductor switch path or the surge arrestor path is coupled in parallel across the semiconductor switch; and a second surge arrestor coupled in parallel across the semiconductor switch, the commutation unit, or both the semiconductor switch and the commutation unit.
 2. The DC HCB of claim 1, wherein the surge arrestor is configured to absorb residual fault currents in the DC HBC upon the mechanical switch and the semiconductor switch being opened.
 3. The DC HCB of claim 1, wherein the second surge arrestor is coupled in parallel across the commutation unit, further comprising: a third surge arrestor coupled in parallel across the semiconductor switch.
 4. The DC HCB of claim 1, wherein the second surge arrestor is included in the semiconductor switch path.
 5. The DC HCB of claim 1, wherein the second surge arrestor is configured to protect the commutation unit from an over-voltage condition.
 6. The DC HCB of claim 1, wherein the surge arrestor or the second surge arrestor is a varistor, metal oxide varistor, thyristor, or any other voltage clamping circuit.
 7. The DC HCB of claim 1, wherein the commutation unit comprises a transformer and an inverter connected in parallel with a capacitor.
 8. The DC HCB of claim 1, wherein the commutation unit comprises: a capacitor; an input of the commutation unit; an output of the commutation unit; a first switch, where a first side of the first switch is coupled to a positive terminal of the capacitor.
 9. The DC HCB of claim 8, wherein the input of the commutation unit is coupled to a negative terminal of the capacitor and a second side of the first switch is coupled to the output of the commutation unit.
 10. The DC HCB of claim 8, wherein the second side of the first switch is coupled to a first side of a first winding of the transformer, a second side of the first winding of the transformer is coupled to a negative terminal of the capacitor, the output of the commutation unit is coupled to the first side of a second winding of the transformer, and the input of the commutation unit is coupled to the second side of the second winding of the transformer.
 11. The DC HCB of claim 1, wherein the commutation unit comprises: a capacitor; an input of the commutation unit, where the input of the commutation unit is coupled to a negative terminal of the capacitor; an output of the commutation unit; a first switch, where a first side of the first switch is coupled to a positive terminal of the capacitor; a second switch, where a first side of the second switch is coupled to a second side of the first switch and is coupled to the output of the commutation unit, and where a second side of the second switch is coupled to the input of the commutation unit and the negative terminal of the capacitor.
 12. The DC HCB of claim 1, wherein the commutation unit comprises: a capacitor; an input of the commutation unit; an output of the commutation unit; a first switch, where a first side of the first switch is coupled to a positive terminal of the capacitor; a second switch, where a first side of the second switch is coupled to a second side of the first switch and the output of the commutation unit, and where a second side of the second switch is coupled to a negative terminal of the capacitor; a third switch, where a first side of the third switch is coupled to the positive terminal of the capacitor and the first side of the first switch; and a fourth switch, where a first side of the fourth switch is coupled to a second side of the third switch and the input of the commutation unit, and where a second side of the fourth switch is coupled to the negative terminal of the capacitor and the second side of the second switch.
 13. A direct current (DC) hybrid circuit breaker (HCB), comprising: an input; an output; a mechanical switch path comprising a mechanical switch, wherein the mechanical switch path is coupled between the input and the output; a semiconductor switch path comprising a semiconductor switch connected in series with a commutation unit configured to supply a reverse biased voltage source on the semiconductor switch path, wherein the semiconductor switch path is coupled between the input and the output in parallel to the mechanical switch path, wherein the commutation unit comprises: a capacitor; an input of the commutation unit, where the input of the commutation unit is coupled to a negative terminal of the capacitor; an output of the commutation unit; a first switch, where a first side of the first switch is coupled to a positive terminal of the capacitor; a second switch, where a first side of the second switch is coupled to a second side of the first switch and is coupled to the output of the commutation unit, and where a second side of the second switch is coupled to the input of the commutation unit and the negative terminal of the capacitor.
 14. A direct current (DC) hybrid circuit breaker (HCB), comprising: an input; an output; a mechanical switch path comprising a mechanical switch, wherein the mechanical switch path is coupled between the input and the output; a semiconductor switch path comprising a semiconductor switch connected in series with a commutation unit configured to supply a reverse biased voltage source on the semiconductor switch path, wherein the semiconductor switch path is coupled between the input and the output in parallel to the mechanical switch path, wherein the commutation unit comprises: a capacitor; an input of the commutation unit; an output of the commutation unit; a first switch, where a first side of the first switch is coupled to a positive terminal of the capacitor; a second switch, where a first side of the second switch is coupled to a second side of the first switch and the output of the commutation unit, and where a second side of the second switch is coupled to a negative terminal of the capacitor; a third switch, where a first side of the third switch is coupled to the positive terminal of the capacitor and the first side of the first switch; a fourth switch, where a first side of the fourth switch is coupled to a second side of the third switch and the input of the commutation unit, and where a second side of the fourth switch is coupled to the negative terminal of the capacitor and the second side of the second switch.
 15. A method of operating a direct current (DC) hybrid circuit breaker (HCB), the method comprising: detecting an over-current condition in a switch current across a closed mechanical switch in a mechanical switch path of the DC HCB; in response to detecting the over-current condition, closing a semiconductor switch and providing a reverse biased commutation voltage by a commutation unit, wherein the semiconductor switch and the commutation unit are connected in series across a semiconductor switch path of the DC HCB and the semiconductor switch path is coupled in parallel to the mechanical switch path; detecting that the switch current reaches a zero-current condition and responsively opening the mechanical switch; maintaining the zero-current condition in the switch current for a predetermined period of time; and after the predetermined period of time, opening the semiconductor switch and turning off the commutation unit.
 16. A method of operating a direct current (DC) hybrid circuit breaker (HCB), the method comprising: detecting an over-current condition in a switch current across a closed mechanical switch in a mechanical switch path of the DC HCB; in response to detecting the over-current condition, closing a semiconductor switch and providing a reverse biased commutation voltage by a commutation unit, wherein the semiconductor switch and the commutation unit are connected in series across a semiconductor switch path of the DC HCB and the semiconductor switch path is coupled in parallel to the mechanical switch path; detecting that the switch current reaches a zero-current condition and responsively opening the mechanical switch; and maintaining the zero-current condition in the switch current for a predetermined period of time, wherein the commutation unit comprises a capacitor, a first switch, and a second switch, wherein the first switch is coupled between a positive terminal of the capacitor and a positive terminal of the commutation unit, the second switch is coupled between the positive terminal of the commutation unit and a negative terminal of the commutation unit, and a negative terminal of the capacitor is coupled to the negative terminal of the commutation unit.
 17. The method of operating the DC HCB of claim 16, wherein providing a reverse biased commutation voltage by the commutation unit comprises closing the first switch and opening the second switch.
 18. The method of operating the DC HCB of claim 17, wherein maintaining the zero-current condition in the switch current comprises repeatedly toggling the first switch and the second switch to maintain the switch current between an upper limit current and a lower limit current. 